Can you laser Ceramic tile

[laser22]

Newbie know I can etch it all day long. Can I cut thru it without in exploding with a 2500 watt Mazak laser using oxygen as my assit gas. Or do I need Nitrogen as a assit gas. Something my boss wants be to try but a little concern with the tile exploding from getting to hot. Know I can get it water jetted looking at a new challenge. Any help would be appreciated

thanks

 

[MacGyverS2000]

At least in the electronics industry, ceramic is trepanned and snapped at the line rather than blasted directly through. If your parameters are right, the snapline is nice and smooth. Something to consider.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[HenryRollins]

You can but it is not the greatest application. Cutting ceramic tile is a waterjet application. You would have to use N2, set your focus beneath the material and start off the edge go into the piece. Use a Stainless steel setting with a large nozzle.
-HR

 

[JayMaechtlen]

I don't think ceramics care about assist gas - no reaction from Oxy or N2.
But HenryRollins is right- CO2 lasers are very poor at cutting ceramics.
(I gnarled through some computer flooring once - two layers of CRS and about an inch of concrete - slow!)

Jay Maechtlen

http://www.laserpubs.com/techcomm

 

[HenryRollins]

Jay, that wood depend on the color of the tile. When I cut white ceramics O2 left a brown/yellow edge and cracked. N2 cut it clean. BUT, all edges were cracked and chipped real easy with pressure from your fingers.
-HR